His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah reminds those entrusted with rank or authority not to use them to oppress others.

The Monarch says oppression or tyranny will never be allowed in Brunei Darussalam because it an enemy of the country and there will be no compromise in dealing with it. His Majesty emphasises the matter in a Titah in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad’s Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam birthday celebration which was broadcast by Radio Television Brunei earlier this evening. In the titah, His Majesty also reminds that any effort to dispute or belittle the Maulid Ar-Rasul Shallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam will face legal action not simply advise or religious propagation. Source: RTB News

I know of Dato Paduka Dr Haji Md Isham through his work at Jerudong Park Medical Centre as I have covered a few of JPMC events with his presence. He is a very dedicated worker and many have commended him of his leadership for JPMC.

Dato Dr Isham graduated from Dundee University, Scotland in 1995. Following his housemanship in Dundee, he worked at Glasgow University as a lecturer, teaching Anatomy. Then, he proceeded to do his surgical rotation in England before returning to Brunei. From his vast experience in General Surgery, he later specialized in Cardiothoracic Surgery in the biggest cardiac hospital in region, Institute Jantung Negara (IJN). Following that he did his Fellowship at Papworth Hospital Cambridge, United Kingdom. He has been a consultant in Brunei since 2005.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and most of the racquet sports (badminton, tennis and table tennis).

Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi was sworn in as the Minister of Health on the 22nd October 2015. That meant he would only have served two years as a Minister for the Brunei Government. It’s perhaps the shortest duration for a ministerial post that I have came across. I knew him during his UBD Vice-Chancellor’s days. He was promoted to Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education before being appointed as the Minister of Health in 2015.

The replacement has come to a shock to myself and many others as the usual reshuffling of the cabinet ministers happens every 5 years which is supposedly in 2020. With the sudden replacement, it’s an indication for better things in moving forward. I believe Dato Dr Isham will do a great job in his new role and level up with the rest of the ministries.

By command of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty has also consented to the appointment and transfer of the following senior officers:

Yang Mulia Awang Haji Abdul Manap bin Othman, Director General of Public Service Department, Public Service Department as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health to replace Yang Mulia Awang Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health who has been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as Senior Special Duties Officer. Yang Mulia Dr. Awang Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health has been transferred to the Ministry of Education as Director of Planning, Development and Research: and

Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Dr. Dayang Hajah Maslina binti Haji Mohsin, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health has been transferred to the Ministry of Religious Affairs as Senior Special Duties Officer. The appointment of the Minister of Health as well as the appointment and transfer of the said officers are effective from Friday, 1st of December 2017.

This meant that all the higher positions in the Ministry of Health have been replaced.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office launching the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, and the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’ in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday

Unveiling the new 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, yesterday attended the Launching Ceremony of the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, and the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’ in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne. His Royal Highness is the Patron of the Advisory Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration and Chairman of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam Board of Directors.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar in his welcoming speech explained the design concept of the Brunei 50 Dollar polymer note, commemorative coins and 5th Series of Coins in Circulation. The design concept of the Brunei 50 dollar polymer note was inspired from the caring and attentive nature of His Majesty that signifies the monarch’s personality as The People’s Monarch. The currency also portrays His Majesty’s priority in instilling religious principles and reflecting the country’s era of modernisation under the monarch’s reign.

His Royal Highness officiated the launch of the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, as well as the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’.

AMBD will be issuing 500,000 of the commemorative 50 cents which will be available for public exchange at face value across all banks and its branches from Monday, 9th of October. An exclusive collection of several types of limited edition numismatic note and coin sets will also be available for pre-order from today, 4th of October. Meanwhile, the book entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ which is filled with the history of His Majesty’s 50 year reign is written by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. The book’s publication in the Malay and English Languages is hoped to contribute towards portraying His Majesty’s image as the Head of State and Head of Government. The books will be available for sale tomorrow at the State Mufti’s Office, Jalan Pengiran Babu Raja.

Before leaving the ceremony, His Royal Highness received junjung ziarah from members of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration, members of the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam Board of Directors, senior officers of the State Mufti Department and Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam as well as the special launching ceremony committee members. From RTB news.

During the launch of the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, and the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’ in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne at the Banquet Hall of Prime Minister’s Office

Press conference being held by AMBD

A good collection but on the high end

At least BND 10,000 worth being photographed on the table

Rano’s thoughts: I managed to pre-order the limited pieces through Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) website and it will be available some time in November 2017. I was already impressed with previous edition – the 50 years Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Currency Interchangeability, and now AMBD have raised the bar with the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation.

The AMBD website crashed a few times yesterday after it was officially online, showing the demands for the 9 items available for order. The website now is back to normal and will be able to accommodate the demand. In a space of a few hours, they managed to have roughly 1,000 pre-order transactions. That was quite impressive and I believe many are eyeing the commemorative notes and coins.

Another proud moment to cherish for Brunei is that AMBD has allocated around 100,000 pieces of 50 coins in special packaging which will be distributed to students (registered under the Ministry of Education) in all public and private school from pre-school students to sixth form students in all four districts later in the year. That’s pretty awesome I must say. It will be a good way to commemorate The Sultan of Brunei’s 50 years of harmonious and peaceful ruling of Brunei Darussalam.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen during the Opening of the Playing of Traditional Musical Instruments at the Lapau in Bandar Seri Begawan

The Royalties entering the Lapau before the proceedings

The Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne began yesterday with the Majlis Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga or the Opening of the Playing of Traditional Musical Instruments at the Lapau in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Majlis Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga was conducted in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was welcomed by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abd Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar. Also present were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and other members of the Royal Family.

Soon after His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was seated, the Juru Laki Awang Haji Johan Areffen bin Hassan, accompanied by other musicians entered, bearing traditional musical instruments such as Serunai or Flutes and Gendang Labek or a type of drum and took their seats at a specially allocated position.

Yang Amat Mulia in turn informed His Royal Highness the Crown Prince that the ceremony was in place to proceed. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince subsequently instructed for the Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga to commence.

The Juru Laki Awang Haji Johan Areffen proceeded to the Patarana from the left-hand side to lift the Nakara, a type of kettle drum, and bore it upon his head. Nakara is one of the royal regalia used in an Istiadat such as the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne. The Nakara is the top among the traditional items or the Naubat. Due to these, it is located higher compared to the other Naubat items and carried by the Juru. It is also placed in a special position – on top of the crown box. It is said that the Nakara’s sahap is made from Tuma’s skin.

The beating of the Nakara then commenced followed by the playing of Gendang Labek, Serunai accompanied by Agong and Chanang, types of gongs. The beating of the Nakara was accompanied by a twenty-one cannon-fire salute.

It was followed by the beatings of Gendang Alih-alihan Tengah and Gendang Alih-alihan Hujung, until finally reaching the titir Gendang Perang or War Drum beats. The Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga is carried out in a special ceremony, just like the The Istiadat Membuka Naubat or Opening of Naubat. However, it is conducted in a specific time, same as other regular ceremonies. The venue, guest, rules, how the ceremony is carried out as well as the lifting of the Nakara is similar to the Istiadat Membuka Naubat. The only difference is that the Istiadat Membuka Gendang jaga-jaga began with the beatings of Gendang Perang, followed by Alih-Alihan Tengah, Alih-Alihan hujung and ended with Gendang Perang.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, The Crown Prince instructed Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa (Retired) Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad to confer His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam that the Majlis Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne was duly carried out.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then left the ceremony. Present at the ceremony were Pengiran Cheterias, Cabinet ministers, Members of Councils, Deputy Ministers, Pengiran-Pengiran Peranakan, Pehin-Pehin Manteri, Manteri-Manteri Hulubalang, Manteri-Manteri Pedalaman, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Members of the Legislative Council, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Government Department. News courtesy of RTB and images courtesy of Information Department.

Members of the Royal Family

The Juru Laki Awang Haji Johan Areffen sought consent to carry the Nakara through the centre of the audience

The musicians belting traditional music to signify the opening of @hmjubliemas

The beating of the Nakara was accompanied by a twenty-one cannon-fire salute nearby Lapau

In conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne which will be held this year, the Committee for Media, Publicity, Exhibitions and Printing would like to inform the public that the official Website, Mobile App and Social Media accounts including the official hashtag for the Golden Jubilee Celebration may be accessed as of today, Wednesday, 16th August 2017.

The establishment of the Website and Mobile App is aimed at providing information including the latest news on the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne. The Website and Mobile App also contains information such as the Calendar of Events, posters and publications in relation to the Golden Jubilee. The information will be updated from time to time.

In addition to the informative contents, the Website and Mobile App will also provide an interactive platform that enables members of the public to convey their greetings online in relation to the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

The public will also be able to watch live broadcast events through “Live Streaming” on the Website and Mobile App.

The public may also use the official Golden Jubilee hashtag, #HMjubliemas in their respective social media account posts. For Android mobile users, the Mobile App HMjubliemas may now be downloaded through Google Play; whereas for IOS mobile users, the Mobile App HMjubliemas will be made available from the App Store in the near future.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam being proclaimed as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on 14th August 1961

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam being installed as the 29th Sultan of Brunei Darussalam

I have missing all these prestigious events and finally I had a taste of Bersama Rakyat with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalamn conjunction with His Majesty’s 71st birthday celebration at Taman SOAS. It was not as crowded as previous years but the spirit remains high. The people of Brunei Darussalam got up close and personal to greet His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and other members of the Royal Family.

Also attending the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

I missed the performances but judging from the pictures, it looked pretty colourful and vibrant. I can’t imagine the stamina and the willingness of His Majesty the Sultan, even at the age of 71, to spend at least 2 hours in the humid conditions to meet and greet. I truly salute His Majesty for his dedication and time to spend time with the people and may Allah bless him for his generousity and kindness.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Chancellor of UBD presenting certificates to the graduates of Universiti Brunei Darussalam last weekend

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Chancellor of UBD, presented certificates to 921 PhD and bachelor’s degree graduates during the morning session of the UBD 28th Convocation ceremony last weekend.

There were about 1,477 graduates. Graduates this year — the fourth batch of UBD’s GenNEXT programme — included 28 PhD graduates, which also surpassed last year’s record of 20.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has approved the establishment of the Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Serving as a catalyst for higher-level teaching and learning, the Sultan said C3L will encompass continuous and professional education. His Majesty believed it will also contribute significantly to national development and a knowledge-based society and economy. The Sultan said C3L was among the initiatives introduced by UBD in a bid to provide flexible learning opportunities to the public.

She said the programme — which had been carried out in collaboration between UBD, China’s Zhejiang University and Hengyi Industries — had seen students carrying out their studies and industrial placements over 18 months in China.

Congratulations to all the graduates and now it’s time to convert your knowledge and experience into the real world for the betterment of our country.

One of the luckiest person I know 😀

A tearful citizen during the meet and greet with His Majesty the Sultan

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, greets the Emir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah upon his arrival at the Brunei International Airport yesterday. Also present to welcome the Emir was HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik (back R)

His Majesty shares a light moment with the Kuwait Emir at Istana Nurul Iman

Text by Quratul-Ain Bandial of The Brunei Times. Brunei and Kuwait have pledged to expand cooperation spanning education, tourism, trade and investment after the countries inked several agreements at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.

The leaders of both countries welcomed the signing of two agreements and four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) as a “positive step in elevating and deepening bilateral engagement”.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam welcomed the Emir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the capital yesterday, receiving him at the airport for a two-day state visit.

At the palace, the leaders witnessed the signing of an agreement allowing visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports; as well as a protocol amending a previous agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

The four MoUs cover higher education and scientific research; tourism; training between the foreign affairs ministries of both countries; and the establishment of a joint commission on government-to-government cooperation.

In a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the heads of state said the increased trade volume between the two nations reflected the “huge potential” to expand trade and investment ties, and urged their officials to explore opportunities in oil and gas, ICT, Islamic affairs, and private sector linkages.
The leaders also acknowledged the need to diversify away from a petroleum-based economy, underscoring the role of the private sector — particularly small to medium enterprises (SMEs) — in enhancing competitiveness.

The statement said the Third Joint Committee Meeting on Economic and Technical Cooperation will be held in Bandar Seri Begawan in December 2016.
Present during the audience at Istana Nurul Iman were HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah; HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik; HRH Princess Hjh Masna, Ambassador-At-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as other members of the royal family, cabinet ministers, and members of the Kuwaiti delegation.

The Emir was welcomed to the palace with a 21-gun royal salute, and was also introduced to senior members of His Majesty’s government.

Later in the evening, a state banquet was hosted in honour of the Emir’s first state visit to the sultanate. Text by Quratul-Ain Bandial of The Brunei Times and Images by Khaliq Roziman and Yusri Adanan of The Brunei Times and Infofoto.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and the Emir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah followed by HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and other members of the royal family arrive at the venue for the state banquet at the Istana Nurul Iman last night

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Emir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office during the state banquet held at Istana Nurul Iman last night

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik (C) and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel (L) during the state banquet

Rano’s Instagram

Contact RA

About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

Advertisement rates

You can email me for your interest in advertisement packages. There's also a bundle package with social media postings.